A Few Hints for Shorter Turn Times

The appraisal profession is always evolving. Commonly, it seems, appraisers are asked to offer extra information or have steps added to their appraisal process. All to ensure their client is presented with the best information possible. To keep up with the always changing requirements, PSM Appraisals, LLC is continuously seeking new tools and tweaking processes in order to increase efficiency so we can do more work for in less time. Since PSM Appraisals, LLC knows that time is important to everyone, we've listed some things you can do to accelerate the process on any appraisals you order with PSM Appraisals, LLC.

Are you ordering appraisals online?: By ordering online, you automatically receive e-mail confirmations that the request was received, and fast, secure .PDF format report delivery. Online ordering is the single biggest time saver available to both of us! No longer do we have to retype information from a fax, and you don't have to wonder whether we received the request.
Are you providing complete and accurate information about the subject property?: Having just one number incorrect on the street address can really add unnecessary time to an appraisal assignment. Unique identifiers like a tax parcel number, plat map number, or subdivision name is good information to pass long with the request. Even a list of recent sales in the area is welcome — though be advised that professional appraisers are lawfully required to do their own due diligence on comparable sales, and ours may differ from yours.
Are you letting us know up front any features of the property that might make it unique?: It's relatively easy to appraise a cookie-cutter home. Most of an appraiser's time is spent analyzing how unique elements contribute to or detract from what otherwise would be a property's market value. When you order your report, let us know if there are unique elements of the home or surrounding area -- for example, it's recently had an addition constructed, it's subject to zoning restrictions, it's predisposed to flooding. These are things we'd find out on our own anyway, and knowing them as soon as possible makes your report arrive sooner.
Are you making the occupants of the home aware of what to expect?: One of the most time consuming parts of the appraisal process is setting an appointment with the current homeowner. It's understandable for a homeowner to be uncomfortable with a stranger inspecting every square foot of their home, taking photos, and making lots of notes. Having the thought that it will increase the value, some homeowners think they must make the place spotless before the appraisal inspection. And will put off the appraisal inspection until they can get around to cleaning.

Coming from you -- the person they have been working with on their loan -- a little knowledge about the appraisal process, who we are, and especially that dusting and polishing won't make it more likely their sale will close, and likely shorten the appraisal inspection time. I encourage you to point them to our website, where we have multiple pages of useful information for homeowners as well as others describing the appraisal process. Have them call us if they want to become familiar with our staff and services. And tell them it's to their advantage to set the appointment as soon as possible!
Why not our website as a resource to verify the status of your report?: No more phone and fax tag. Up-to-the-minute status updates are available online, anytime, 24/7. As each important milestone in an assignment is completed, that information is available instantly to you online. There's no faster or easier way to keep track of the status of your report.